Grisanti to press charges

by jmaloni

Mon, Feb 20th 2012 07:25 am

State Sen. Mark Grisanti released
the following statement Sunday regarding the altercation that took place on
Feb. 10:

"My wife, Maria, and I
continue to stand by our account on what happened the night of Friday, Feb. 10.
at the Seneca Niagara Casino. We have provided a full description of the
activities that took place to the Niagara Falls Police Department to assist
them in their ongoing investigation.

"I have said numerous times, that I do not hold the
Seneca Nation, Seneca president, or the Seneca Tribal Council responsible for
this isolated and unfortunate event. We deeply regret the fallout that has
ensued following this unfortunate turn of events against the Seneca Nation and
its people. I have always had a strong relationship with the Seneca Nation.

"I was always
taught when you make a mistake or do something wrong apologies are in order.
However, we will not apologize for the vicious attack that took place against
my wife, Maria. We did not do anything wrong. All of my actions were
instinctive to protect my wife, and are what any other man would have done
under these circumstances. As far as I'm concerned, the incident was not over
until my wife was safely in my arms.

"Additionally,
we would also like to let the public know that our family has made a decision
to press charges against Maria's attackers. It is time to let the law
enforcement and judicial systems do its job.

"We have always
been trying to achieve full transparency. We have no problem and we encourage
the Seneca Niagara Casino to release the tapes."